KembaraXtra - Legal Terms - Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infectious disease that is primarily spread through sexual contact. Common examples include:

• HIV infection
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhoea

In family law, an STD may have legal consequences. Under section 12(1)(e) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, a marriage is voidable if, at the time of the marriage:

1. one spouse was suffering from a sexually transmitted disease; and
2. the other spouse was unaware of the condition.

The innocent spouse may petition the court for an annulment, treating the marriage as voidable rather than automatically void.